Military Robot
Introduction
Photo courtesy Mesa Robotics
The bulldozer-size ACER can handle tasks like clearing explosives and hauling cargo. See
more pictures of military robots.
Everyone knows that being a soldier is a dangerous job, but some of the
tasks that soldiers are required to do are more dangerous than others.
Walking through minefields, deactivating unexploded bombs or clearing
out hostile buildings, for example, are some of the most dangerous tasks a
person is asked to perform in the line of duty.
What if we could send robots to do these jobs instead of humans? Then, if
something went wrong, we'd only lose the money it cost to build the robot
instead of losing a human life. And we could always build more robots.
The U.S. military has been developing robotic systems for all sorts of jobs
for years now, and some of them are even on the front lines in Iraq. In this
article, we'll meet some of the military's latest robot soldiers, find out what
sorts of jobs they can do and get a glimpse of what the future holds for
military robots.
If you're interested in some background on the subject of robots in general
before you learn about military-specific robots, check out How Robots
Work.
Now, let's get started.
Basic Training
The military doesn't use the kinds of humanoid assault robots we've come
to expect from films like "The Terminator." Whether or not a robot looks like
a human doesn't matter much in today's military applications. Robots come
in many shapes and sizes, and although there isn't really any single
definition of a robot, one common definition is this: a machine that is
controlled, in whole or in part, by an onboard computer. Robots also have
sensors that allow them to get information from their surroundings, some
form of locomotion and a power source.
If military robots aren't shaped like humans, what shapes do they come in?
It depends on the kinds of jobs the robot is built to carry out. Robots that
have to negotiate difficult terrain use tank treads. Flying robots look pretty
much like small airplanes. Some robots are the size of trucks, and they
look pretty much like trucks or bulldozers. Other, smaller robots have a
very low profile to allow for great maneuverability.
Photo courtesy Mesa Robotics
This version of the ACER robot clears anti-personnel landmines.
Today's military robots don't do a whole lot on their own. Their computer
brains aren't very sophisticated in terms of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a
form of computer program that allows the robot to process information and
make some decisions on its own. Instead of independent AI, most military
robots are remote-controlled by human operators. The military doesn't
usually use the term "robot" -- it calls them unmanned ground vehicles
(UGVs) or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Photo courtesy Mesa Robotics
The 61-pound (28-kg) MATILDA robot can tow up to 475 lbs (215 kg).
One other important thing to remember about military robots: Robots
designed to help soldiers on the battlefield have to be carried onto the
battlefield by those soldiers. For that reason, robot builders try to design
"man-portable" designs. A man-portable robot can be carried by a single
soldier, usually in a special backpack.
Next, we'll find out why smaller is sometimes better when it comes to
military robots.
Small Bots: TALON
The most common robots currently in use by the military are small, flat
robots mounted on miniature tank treads. These robots are tough, able to
tackle almost any terrain and usually have a variety of sensors built in,
including audio and video surveillance and chemical detection. These
robots are versatile, with different sensor or weapon packages available
that mount to the main chassis. Virtually all of them are man-portable.
TALON
The TALON is a man-portable robot operating on small treads. It weighs
less than 100 lbs (45 kg) in its base configuration. TALON is designed to
be very durable -- one of the robots reportedly fell off a bridge and into a
river in Iraq. Some time later, the soldiers set up the TALON's control unit
and simply drove it out of the river [ref]. That brings up another important
feature of the TALON -- it's amphibious.
TALON is operated with a joystick control, has seven speed settings (top
speed is 6 feet/1.8 meters per second) and can use its treads to climb
stairs, maneuver through rubble and even take on snow.
TALON configurations
Versatility has been designed into the TALON as well, with multiple
possible configurations available that adapt the robot to the situation at
hand. The basic TALON includes audio and video listening devices and a
mechanical arm. A lightweight (60-lb/27-kg) version omits the arm.
TALONs were used for search and rescue at WTC Ground Zero, and they
have been used in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq for the disposal of live
grenades, improvised explosive devices and other dangerous explosives.
Recently, the TALON was prepared to take on an even bigger role. All
TALONs are now equipped with chemical, gas, temperature and radiation
sensors. The military is even running tests on TALONs that carry guns.
"TALON robots can be configured with M240 or M249 machine guns or
Barrett 50-caliber rifles," according to manufacturer Foster-Miller.
Assault TALON
The military is performing additional tests using TALON robots equipped
with grenade launchers and anti-tank rocket launchers.
For complete TALON specifications, see Foster-Miller: TALON Robot.
Small Bots: Packbot
The Packbot is another small robot that operates on treads. It's even
smaller and lighter than the TALON, weighing in at about 40 lbs (18 kg) in
the basic Scout configuration. Packbot is man-portable and is designed to
fit into the U.S. Army's new standard pack, the Modular Lightweight Load
Carrying Equipment (MOLLE).
Photo courtesy Army Public Affairs
A Packbot Scout searches for booby traps on this truck at Najaf
airfield, Iraq, on March 31, 2004.
Controlled by a Pentium processor that has been designed specially to
withstand rough treatment, Packbot's chassis has a GPS system, an
electronic compass and temperature sensors built in. Packbot
manufacturer iRobot says Packbot can move more than 8 mph (13 kph),
can be deployed in minutes and can withstand a 6-foot (1.8-meter) drop
onto concrete -- the equivalent of 400 g's of force.
U.S. soldiers regularly take advantage of this ruggedness, tossing Packbot
through windows of hostile buildings and then using it to search and find
out where enemy combatants are hiding. Even if Packbot lands upside
down, it can right itself using powerful treaded flippers, which also help it
climb obstacles.
Packbot motion
Packbot comes in several different versions in addition to the basic Scout
unit. Packbot Explorer adds a square "head" that can raise up on a metal
arm, pan and tilt, provide gun-sighting video and generally act as a lookout
for soldiers who need to peer over obstacles or around corners. Packbot
EOD is used to disarm or safely detonate dangerous explosives. It uses a
mechanical arm with a gripping hand plus a full range of audio and visual
sensors.
Packbot Explorer
With eight modular payload ports, Packbot is built for further customization.
For complete Packbot specifications, see iRobot: Packbot.
Small Bots: MATILDA
MATILDA (Mesa Associates' Tactical Integrated Light-Force Deployment
Assembly), made by Mesa Robotics, is similar to other small robot designs
but has a higher profile due to its triangular tread shape. It weighs 61 lbs
(28 kg) with the batteries, can be carried by one or two people and fits in
the trunk of a car.
MATILDA with mechanical arm
MATILDA has numerous possible configurations. For instance, it can be
equipped with a mechanical arm or a variety of cameras and sensors, and
it can even tow a small trailer.
Three of MATILDA's possible configurations
The robot has a top speed of 3 feet (1 meter) per second and a singlecharge run time of four to six hours. In the event of tread damage, the
quick-change tracks can be swapped in about five minutes.
Matilda Manipulator
MATILDA Specifications
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Platform
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Width: 21 inches (53 cm); Height: 12 inches
(30 cm); Length: 30 inches (76 cm)
 Weight: 61 pounds (28 kg)
 Power: Four rechargeable 12-volt DV NiMH
battery packs
 Run time: four to six hours per charge
 Speed: 3 feet per second (1 m/s)
 Payload bay dimensions: 13.5x16.5 inches
(34.3x41.9 cm)
 Payload capacity: 150 lbs (68 kg)
 Towing capacity: 475 lbs (215 kg)
 RF and fiber-optic control
Briefcase Operator Control Unit
 Weight: 25 lbs (11 kg)
 Power: 12-volt DC NiMH, 12-volt AC adapter
 12.1-inch (30.7-cm) daylight-readable screen
 Four control joysticks
Handheld Operator Control Unit
 Weight: 23 lbs (10 kg)
 Power: 12-volt DC NiMH, 12-volt AC adapter
 6.4-inch (16.3-cm) daylight-readable display
 Two control joysticks
Track Types
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Slick
Multi-purpose
Ice and snow
*Source: Mesa Robotics: Performance Specifications and
Features
Mesa Robotics is also developing the lightweight MAUD robot and the lowcost MARV, a treaded robot designed to be expendable.
In the next section, we'll learn about some larger military robots.
Big Bots: ACER
Larger military robots are basically trucks or tanks with computers in them,
operated by remote control.
ACER
ACER is another robot made by Mesa Robotics. This robot is about the
size of a small bulldozer or a Zamboni.
Armored Combat Engineer Robot (ACER)
ACER can handle many heavy-duty tasks, such as clearing out explosives
with a mechanical arm, clearing and cutting obstacles down with a plow
blade or a giant cutter, pulling disabled vehicles (up to and including
buses), hauling cargo in a trailer and serving as a weapons platform. This
robot can roll along with a mine-sweeper attached to the front, clearing a
field of anti-personnel mines before any humans have to walk there.
Three of ACER's possible configurations
One
of
ACER's
more
innovative
uses
firefighting/decontamination platform. Equipped with
nozzle, ACER can pull its own supply of foam retardant or
in a 350-gallon (1,325-liter) tank. A nozzle can also be
mechanical arm for very precise aiming.
is
as
a
a pan-and-tilt
decontaminant
mounted on a
Obviously, ACER is not man-portable -- it weighs 4,500 lbs (2,040 kg).
This heavy-duty robot has a maximum speed of 6.3 mph (10 kph) and runs
on a diesel engine. The fuel tank holds 19 gallons (72 liters). For complete
ACER specifications and features, see Mesa Robotics: ACER.
Big Bots: ARTS, RAAS and ARV
ARTS
The All-Purpose Remote Transport System (ARTS) was developed by the U.S.
Air Force for one purpose -- the help dispose of dangerous explosives. ARTS is
basically a bulldozer, but instead of a bulldozer's blade, it has mine-clearing
devices, a mechanical arm and a water cutting tool attached. ARTS can be
remotely operated from a distance of up to 3 miles (5 km) with line of sight. It can
also set charges to detonate explosives from a distance. ARTS weighs 7,500 lbs
(3,400 kg).
ARTS, equipped with a Harley Box Rake, begins explosive-ordnance disposal
activities.
RAAS and ARV
The Robotic Armored Assault System (RAAS) and the Armed Robotic Vehicle
(ARV) are both in development by the U.S. military. These are large-scale robots
(ARV will weigh 5 to 6 tons) capable of carrying up to 1 ton of payload.
Potential weapons to be mounted on these tank-size robots include the 30mm Mk
44 chain gun or a turret system capable of firing Hellfire missiles. They have been
designed so that they can be carried and deployed by the military's primary cargocarrying aircraft, the C-130 and the CH-47.
U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft
In the next section, we'll meet some robots that can take to the air.
Flying Bots: Global Hawk and Pointer
The military uses several different flying robots, mainly for
reconnaissance. Instead of UGVs, these are known as UAVs (unmanned
aerial vehicles), and they are sometimes referred to as drones. UAVs look
like model aircraft, and they range in size from small planes that can be
held by a person and launched with a good throw, like the FQM-151
Pointer, to full-size airplanes that operate by remote control, like the RQ4A Global Hawk.
RQ-4A Global Hawk
Global Hawk Specifications
Northrop Grumman RQ-4A Global Hawk
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Length: 44 ft 4.75 in (13.53 m)
Wingspan: 116 ft 2.5 in (35.42 m)
Height: 15 ft 2.5 in (4.64 m)
Weight empty: 14,800 lb (6,710 kg)
Weight max: 25,600 lb (11,600 kg)
Speed: 403 mph (648 kph)
Ceiling: 65,000 ft (19,800 m)
Range: 11,730 nautical miles (21,720 km)
Endurance: 36 hours
Propulsion: Rolls-Royce/Allison F137-AD-100 turbofan
*Source: Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles
FQM-151 Pointer
Pointer Specifications
AeroVironment FQM-151 Pointer
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Length: 6 ft (1.83 m)
Wingspan: 9 ft (2.74 m)
Weight: 9.6 lb (4.3 kg)
Speed: 50 mph (80 kph)
Ceiling: 985 ft (300 m)
Mission radius: 2.7 nautical miles (5 km)
Endurance: Primary batteries - 1 hour; Rechargeable
batteries - 20 min
Propulsion: Electric motor
*Source: Directory of U.S. Military Rockets and Missiles
AeroVironment FQM-151 Pointer
Flying Bots: Predator
Reconnaissance plays a key role in military planning -- drones help military
commanders keep track of their own troops and also spot enemy troops
that might be waiting to ambush U.S. soldiers.
MQ-1 Predator UAV
Flying robots like the Predator provide constant real-time data on troop
movements, enemy locations and weather. In at least one case, a flying
robot did a lot more than just spot the enemy: Predators can be fitted with
Hellfire missiles, and when one of these Air Force drones spotted an antiaircraft gun in southern Iraq in March 2003, it used one of the Hellfires to
take it out [ref].
The MQ-1 Predator Hunter/Killer is equipped with two Hellfire missiles
and a targeting system.
To learn much more about the Predator, see How the Predator UAV
Works.
Today's military robots are limited in their autonomy and their range. They
are essentially tethered to human controllers. The Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the U.S. government entity that
funds and develops new technologies for military use, recently held a
widely publicized robot race to see how far along robot AI had come. It
turns out that AI is still pretty limited -- not a single robot completed the
course. So even as the abilities of robots increase, it seems that for the
foreseeable future, a human soldier will still be required at the control unit.
For more information on military robots, check out the links on the following
page.